Windshield molding for vehicles and the production method thereof

ABSTRACT

This invention enables execution of the continuous extrusion-molding of a windshield molding provided with a rainwater drainage groove with sufficient rainwater retaining function simply and satisfactorily. The windshield molding comprises a the decorative section of an upper molding section of the entire windshield to be installed throughout the upper section and both of the side sections of the windshield glass extended externally and provided with a rainwater retaining groove in the extended thick body portion. All of the molding sections including the upper molding section, the side molding sections, etc. are continuously extrusion-molded.

This is a Division, of application Ser. No. 07/890,158 filed on May 29,1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,423.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a windshield molding for vehicles which is tobe installed to seal the gap between the periphery of the windshieldglass installed to various types of vehicles such as automobiles and thevehicle body panel, and the production method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, windshield moldings are installed to the periphery of thewindshield glass inserted into the window opening in the vehicle bodypanel.

In actual application, the windshield molding extrusion molded in a longlength is inserted into the long continuous gap between the periphery ofthe windshield glass and the edge of the window opening in the vehiclebody panel to seal the gap.

The windshield molding is inserted and fastened directly to the vehiclebody panel or fixed by fasteners mounted on the vehicle body panel.

Regarding the windshield moldings for automobiles, articles providedwith recessed grooves at the section located to the upper side of thewindshield glass fop the purpose of intercepting rainwater which hasfallen on the roof panel from running down onto the surface of thewindshield glass have been previously proposed such as those describedin Japanese Patent Gazette No. 35727/1976, Japanese Utility ModelLaid-Open Publication No. 67873/1982, No. 139422/1982 and No.145414/1984.

Nevertheless, these conventional windshield moldings provided withrainwater retaining grooves in the upper molding section either comprisegroove sections made of a different component from the molding proper orconsist of the upper molding section independently molded with adifferent cross-section from the side molding sections, such an uppermolding section being connected to the side molding sections usingjoints.

Consequently, under conventional techniques, providing the upper sectionwith the rainwater retaining grooves inevitably increases the number ofcomponent parts and complicates the mounting structure of the moldings.

The windshield molding as described in Japanese Patent Laid-OpenPublication No. 195032/1989 consists of a molding extrusion which ismolded with a constant cross-sectional shape inclusive of a groove-shapeand wherein the groove section is cut away where such groove isunnecessary. In this way, both upper molding and side molding sectionsare molded together in one piece.

Nevertheless, with this article, a sharp edge remains on the decorativepart of the molding thereby causing the necessity for post-treatmentand, furthermore, the cut surface tends to have a different appearancefrom other sections of the molding, also exhibiting the drawback thatthe sectional dimensions of the groove cannot be changed in a continuousmanner.

This invention, therefore, intends to provide a windshield molding forvehicles wherein a rainwater drainage groove with satisfactory retainingfunction is provided throughout the upper molding section, the moldingconforming to the vehicle body panel and able to be continuously molded,and the production method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the above purpose, the windshield molding for vehicles ofthis invention comprises,

an upper molding section and side molding sections to be installed alongthe periphery of the upper part and side parts of the windshield glassinserted into the window revealed in the vehicle body panel,

a support leg to be inserted into the gap between the periphery of thewindshield glass and the inside of the window revealed in the vehiclebody panel, and

decorative sections connected to the support leg and extending from theexternal end of the support leg toward the inside and outside of thewindow opening, to be adhered to the edges of the windshield glass andof the vehicle body panel, the upper molding section and the sidemolding sections of such molding being continuously molded by extrusionmolding and,

at least the decorative section of the upper molding section comprisinga thick body projecting out from the outer surface of the windshieldglass toward the outside of the automobile, being provided with arainwater retaining groove facing upwards in the external edge of theprojected thick body of the decorative section.

The production method of the windshield molding for vehicles of thisinvention is for the molding of the upper molding section and sidemolding sections to be installed to the periphery of the upper sectionand both sides of the windshield glass,

the production method being for production by extrusion molding of awindshield molding consisting of the upper molding section and sidemolding sections, using a die provided with an opening for extrusionmolding of the decorative section to be adhered to the edges of thewindshield glass and of the vehicle body panel, the die allowingextrusion-molding of the upper molding section and the side moldingsections in a continuous extrusion process, and

when molding the upper molding section, the opening for extrusionmolding of the decorative section being expanded to extrude anadditional thick body projection beyond the decorative section, and

when extrusion-molding the additional thick body projection, by sendinganother die into the region of the expanded opening for extrusionmolding at a preset timing, a rainwater retaining groove is formed inthe thick body projection.

By means of the production method having the configuration, a windshieldmolding with less width of extension over the windshield glass surfaceand with an optimum rainwater drainage groove molded in the uppermolding section can be extrusion-molded in a single continuousextrusion, without the necessity for additional post-processes such ascutting.

As aforementioned, by this invention, a windshield molding provided witha rainwater drainage groove with sufficient water retaining function,can be easily and satisfactorily extrusion-molded in a single continuousextrusion.

This invention can be applied to all types of windshield moldings forvehicles which are to be installed to seal the gap between the peripheryof the windshield glass installed to various types of vehicles such asautomobiles and the vehicle body panel, and is especially suitable formolding windshield moldings having sufficient water retaining functionby extrusion only, without extra processes such as cutting beingrequired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective drawing showing the rear section ofan automobile featuring moldings of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view at section II--II in FIG. 1 indicatingthe structure of the molding as in the first embodiment of thisinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view at section III--III in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view at section IV--IV in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory perspective drawing indicating the appearanceof the molding as is indicated in FIG. 1, immediately after completionof its extrusion molding.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory side-view of an example of an extrusion moldingfacility for production of the molding as is indicated in FIGS. 1 or 5.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory front view indicating the extruder used in thefacility as is shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory front view indicating a moved status of theextruder as is shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory perspective drawing showing the front sectionof an automobile featuring the molding as in the second embodiment ofthis invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view at section X--X in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view at section XI--XI in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, indicatingthe inserted status of the upper section of the rear windshield moldingof the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view at section XIII--XIII in FIG. 12. FIG.14 is a cross-sectional view at section XIV--XIV in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, indicatingthe inserted status of the lower section of the rear windshield moldingof the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the extrusion molding die for the rearwindshield molding of the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view showing the moving status of the second and thethird dies in the extrusion molding die as is indicated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing the further moved status of the secondand the third dies in the extrusion molding die as is indicated in FIG.16.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT OF THE INVENTION

Referring more particularly to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention according to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, a windshieldmolding 2 consisting of an extrusion-molded lengthy sealing material isfitted to the periphery of the rear windshield glass 1 of theautomobile.

The windshield molding 2 comprises the upper molding section 2U insertedinto the gap between the upper edge of the windshield glass 1 and theroof panel 3, the side molding sections 2S inserted into the gap betweenthe edges of both sides of the windshield glass 1 and the rear pillarpanel 4, the lower molding section 2L inserted into the gap between thelower edge of the windshield glass 1 and the inner edge of the trunk lidpanel 5 and corner molding sections 2C of bent shape positioned at thefour corners formed by these four molding sections.

The windshield molding 2 is usually made of an elastic material such asrubber or synthetic resin extrusion-molded integrally in a long lengthusing such molding facility being described below, and as shown in FIGS.2 and 5, the aforementioned molding sections 2U, 2C, 2S, 2C and 2L areextrusion-molded integrally and in a single continuous extrusion.

The windshield molding 2 consists of the support leg 21 to be insertedinto the gap between the periphery of the windshield glass I and theedges of vehicle body panels 3, 4 and 5 and the decorative section 22 tooverlap the position of the gap from outside (the upper side in thedrawing) the vehicle body.

Each section of the windshield molding 2 has basically the samecross-sectional shape all around and, consequently, the height acrossthe interior and exterior directions (the upper and lower directions inthe drawing) of the support leg 21 is designed to be the same height allaround.

A metal foil core 23 is built-in inside the support leg 21 as asupporting core material.

To the inside edge (the lower edge in the drawing) of this support leg21, backup flange 24 to support the inner side of the windshield glass 1and elastic lip 25 extending to contact the wall section of the vehiclebody panel 3 and 4 are integrally provided all around in a singlecross-sectional shape.

In addition, the decorative section 22 is positioned at the other edgeof the support leg 21, toward the outside of the vehicle, (the upperside in the drawing) and consists of a lip shape projection extending tocover the exterior periphery of the windshield glass 1.

A U-shaped-section groove is formed by this decorative section 22 andthe backup flange 24 to hold the windshield glass 1.

Also, this decorative section 22 features a thick body extending towardthe outside in the area of the upper molding section, detailedexplanations of this section being given below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the decorative section 22 within the region of theside molding section 2S is molded in a uniform sectional shape of athinner body, while the decorative section 22 is gradually thickened inthe body extending toward the outside (toward the upper side in theinclined sketch drawing) starting from the corner molding section 2Ctoward the upper molding section 2U.

As shown in FIG. 4, the decorative section 22 is molded as a thin bodylip within the region of the side molding section 2S and, consequently,the inside reach beyond the edge of the windshield glass is the shortestin this region.

While the body of the decorative section 22 at a position in the sidemolding section 2S, closer to the upper molding section, is thickened tosome extent toward the outside (toward the upper side in the drawing),it also extends a little more over the edge of the windshield glass asshown in FIG. 3.

In the region of the upper mold section 2U, as shown in FIG. 2, the bodyof the decorative section 22 is the thickest, extending toward theoutside and having the farthest inside reach beyond the edge of thewindshield glass 1, such shape being maintained throughout the region ofthe upper molding section 2U.

The thick body section of the decorative section is so molded that theoutside surface forms a twisted surface. In other words, the decorativesection 22 extends toward the outside of the vehicle along the locus ofa certain length of a line segment which gyrates with the segment as theradius and, consequently, the outside surface of the decorative section22 in this region forms a twisted surface formed when the radius ofgyration gyrates while the radius of gyration is moved along thelongitudinal direction of the molding.

In the thickened body of the decorative section 22, the rainwaterretaining groove 26 of an approximately triangular cross-sectional shapeis provided facing upwards (toward the left in the drawing), or towardthe roof panel 3.

The depth and width of this rainwater retaining groove 26 varies inproportion to the extent of the thickened body, or projection toward theoutside, of the decorative section 22 and also to the extent of theinside reach beyond the edge of the windshield glass.

More particularly, the rainwater retaining groove 26 appears startingfrom a point closer to the upper molding section of the corner moldingsection 2C and attains its maximum cross-sectional dimensions at thestarting point, connecting to the corner section, of the upper moldingsection 2U, such maximum cross-sectional dimensions of the groove beingmaintained throughout the length of the upper molding section 2U and thecross-sectional shape of the lower molding section 2L being maintainedthe same throughout its length.

Referring next to the mounting structure of the windshield glass 1 tothe vehicle body using the windshield molding 2, the inside edge of thewindshield glass opening surrounded by the roof panel 3 and the rearpillar panel 4 is bent inwards, toward the inner side of the vehicle, ina stepped shape to accept the windshield glass 1, and beyond the steps3a or 4a, flange sections 3b and 4b are provided. The height of thesteps 3a and 4a is maintained the same throughout.

First, the windshield molding 2 is installed around the entire peripheryof the windshield glass 1. When doing this, the edge of the windshieldglass 1 within the region of the upper molding section and toward thecorner molding section is inserted into the U-shaped groove formed bythe backup flange 24 and the decorative section 22 of the upper moldingsection 2U, and the edge of the windshield glass 1 along the range ofthe side molding section is inserted into the U-shaped groove formed bythe backup flange 24 and the decorative section 22 of the side moldingsection 2S.

Although the corner molding section 2C is to be bent to the requiredcurvature for installation of the windshield molding 2, as the bodythickness is increased as aforementioned, non-conformities occur such aswrinkling, due to the difference in the length of the bending faces.

A dam rubber belt 6 is adhered to the surface of the flange sections 3band 4b of the car body panels 3 and 4 and adhesive 7 is extruded to thecircumference outside the dam rubber 6.

Then, the interior surface of the windshield glass to which thewindshield molding 2 is installed, is pressed onto the dam rubber 6.

Then, the backup flange 24 of the windshield molding 2 is adhered by theadhesive 7, while the elastic lip 25 is inserted inside the steps 3a and4a in bent form. The elastic rebound force of the thus-bent elastic lip25 works to fasten the windshield molding 2 in the required position.

Thus, the windshield glass 1 is fixed on the flange sections 3b and 4bof the vehicle body panels 3 and 4 at a uniform height throughout theperiphery.

Under such status, the body thickness of the decorative section 22 isuniformly maintained all around the region of the side molding sections(See FIG. 4), while the body thickness of the decorative section 22 isgradually increased in the corner molding section (See FIG. 3) and thedepth and the width of the rainwater retaining groove 2B iscorrespondingly expanded.

At the starting point of the upper molding section extending from theend of the neighboring corner molding section, the body thickness of thedecorative section 22 reaches its maximum dimension and the depth andthe width of the rainwater retaining groove 26 are correspondinglyincreased to their maximum sizes.

The maximum body thickness and groove dimensions are maintainedthroughout the length of the upper molding section. (See FIG. 2)

Under the aforementioned mounting structure of the windshield glass 1 tothe vehicle body, rainwater which has fallen on the roof panel 3 isprevented from flowing out over the surface of the windshield glass 1 bythe rainwater retaining groove 26 and is drained via the prearrangedchannel.

The windshield molding 2 may be inserted onto the windshield glass 1before installation to the window opening, or the windshield glass 1 maybe installed into the window opening and the windshield molding 2inserted into the gap between the periphery of the windshield glass 1and the vehicle body panels 3 and 4.

Referring next to the facility to mold the windshield molding 2, asshown in FIG. 6, the insert material 23 rolled out from the coiler 11 isfed into the extruder 14 through the forming roller 12 and sensingroller 13, before being extruded into the cross-sectional shapesintegrally with synthetic resin materials.

The extruded molding is fed through the cooling bath 15 into the cutter17 by the drawing apparatus 16 for cutting to the prescribed length.

During the processes, the information on the feeding rate of the insertmaterial 23 as detected by the sensing roller 13 is transferred to thecontroller 18 and based on such input signals, the timing of operationof the extruder 14 and cutter 17 is determined and the controller 18accordingly outputs actuating signals to the extruder 14 and the cutter17.

The installation position of the sensing roller freely selected so faras the material feeding rate can be detected at the position and, forexample, it may be positioned before or after the drawing apparatus 16.

Referring now to the die used in the extruder 14, as shown in FIGS. 7and 8, the extruder 14 is provided with three dies to form the requiredextrusion openings of the synthetic resin. These dies consist of thefirst die 141 installed in the extruding direction of the molding (thedirection perpendicular to the surface of the paper on which the drawingis indicated), the second die 142 and the third die

The first die 141 is installed in fixed status and is provided with theextrusion opening 141a to extrude the entire body of the windshieldmolding 2.

The section to extrude the decorative section 22 of this extrudingopening 141a, as is particularly shown in FIG. 8, corresponds to themaximum dimensions of the thickened body and is not of a shape to formthe rainwater retaining groove 26.

The second die 142 and the third die 143 are plate-shaped and areinstalled to the front face of the first die 141 in movable status.

The second die 142 is of a sector form, one of its edges correspondingto the sector radius, namely, the concave edge, being so designed as toform the external edge (the upper edge) of the decorative section 22.Also, the center of this second die 142 is supported by a supporting pin144 placed below the opening for the decorative section 22 for freeswiveling.

Thus, the opening for extrusion molding of the decorative section 22 maybe varied by swiveling the second die 142 around the support pin 144.

The third die 143 is so supported by a pair of guides 143a & 143a thatit may slide in parallel with the direction of the guides 143a & 143a.

At the far right of the drawing of the third die 143, a connecting rod143b is attached which is connected to the drive motor 143c through aconverter which converts rotary motion to linear motion.

The third die 143 is reciprocally moved between the position to form theopening for extrusion of the side molding section as shown in FIG. 7 andthe position to form the opening for extrusion of the upper moldingsection as shown in FIG. 8, by the driving force of this drive motor143c.

The left top end in the drawing of the third die 143 forms a maskingportion of triangular shape corresponding to the rainwater retaininggroove 26 of the windshield molding 2.

This masking portion of the third die 143 is so positioned that it mayenter the portion to form the decorative section 22 of the extrusionopening in the first die 141.

The masking portion is reciprocally moved in the horizontal directioninterlocking with the reciprocal rotary movement of the second die 142as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring then to the extrusion molding method of the windshield molding2 using the extrusion molding facility, when molding the windshieldmolding 2, the upper molding section 2U, the corner molding section 2C,the side molding section 2S and the lower molding section 2L areextrusion-molded continuously, such molding to be performed in the orderof, a side molding section 29, the corner molding 2C, the upper molding2U, the other side molding section 28 and the lower molding section 2L.

When extrusion molding the side molding section 2S, the second die 142and the third die 143 are positioned in relation to the first die 141,as shown in the drawing, and to the extrusion molding opening 141a ofthe first die 141, band-shaped metal film core material is fed into theposition corresponding to the support leg 21 section.

The extrusion molding is started from the low end portion of the sidemolding section (the right side in FIG. 2) and the side molding section28 of the cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 4 is extruded. Duringthis process, the decorative section 22 is of a thin flat body lip shapeof less width and the rainwater retaining groove 26 is not formed.

On completion of extrusion to the prescribed length and in the samecross-sectional shape as the side molding section 2S, the corner moldingsection 2C is successively extruded. At this moment, the second die 142starts swiveling toward the X-direction.

Thus, the portion of the opening corresponding to the decorative section22 of the overall extrusion opening 141a in the first die 141 isgradually enlarged and the thickness of the body of the decorativesection 22 increases correspondingly. Also, proportionally to theexpansion of the body thickness of the decorative section 22, the thirddie 143 is advanced toward the W-direction.

At the moment when the third die 143 moves into the extrusion opening141a in the first die 141, the rainwater retaining groove 26 startsbeing formed in the thickened body portion of the decorative section 22.

When the extrusion process of this corner molding section 2C iscompleted, as shown in FIG. 8, the second die 142 is swiveled to themaximum, at which time the extrusion of the upper molding section 2U ofthe maximum body thickness is started. At this time, the third die 143is advanced to the maximum stroke as against the extrusion opening 141ain the first die 141, thus forming the rainwater retaining groove 28 ofthe maximum cross-sectional depth and width in the thickened body of theupper molding section 2U.

The upper molding section 2U is then extrusion-molded to the samecross-sectional shape throughout the prescribed length.

When extrusion molding of the upper molding section 2U to the prescribedlength is completed, in the reverse order of the aforesaid processes,the corner molding section 2C and the side molding section 2S areextruded before the lower molding section 2L is extrusion-molded in acertain cross-sectional shape, thus completing molding of a complete setof windshield molding 2.

If the masking portion of the third die 143 is made to a more acuteangle, the rainwater retaining groove may be formed in the cornermolding section starting from a lesser body thickness point.

The windshield molding 30 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 is of anotherembodiment of this invention which is to be installed to the peripheryof the front windshield glass 31 wherein at the external end (the upperend in the drawing) of the support leg 301, the decorative section 302and the upper elastic lip 307 are integrally provided, while at theinternal end (the lower end in the drawing) of the support leg 301, thebackup flange 304 and the lower elastic lip 305 are integrally formedthroughout the length.

The decorative section 302 is attached to the outer surface of thewindshield glass 31 and is provided with a extending thick body portionand rainwater retaining groove 306, similar to those of the molding ofthe aforementioned embodiment, for the entire length of the uppermolding section.

As shown in FIG. 10, the decorative section 302 of the upper moldingsection 30U is molded in cross-sectional shape of increased thicknessand width, and the rainwater retaining groove 306 of a triangularcross-sectional shape is formed in the thickened and widened bodyportion.

Also, the side molding 30S, as shown in FIG. 11, is provided with thedecorative section 302 of less thickness and less width and of uniformcross-sectional shape through its entire length.

The upper elastic lip 307 is attached to the outer surface of the roofpanel 33 and the front pillar panel 34.

The upper elastic lip 307 is molded in a uniform cross-sectional shapethroughout its entire length and the thickness toward the internal andexternal sides of the vehicle (the upper and lower direction in thedrawing) remains the same throughout the entire length.

At the top end of the support leg 304, fitting recess 304a is formed towhich the internal edge of the windshield glass is fitted, and the topend of the lower elastic lip 305 is inserted in bent status against theinclined wall 33a & 34a of the roof panel 33 and front pillar panel 34.

Furthermore, in the connecting section of the support leg 301 and thedecorative section 302, a wire core 303 is inlaid throughout the entirelength.

With the second embodiment as described above, similar functions andeffects to the aforementioned embodiment may be obtained. Also, withthese embodiments, the windshield molding and the windshield glassalready previously attached may be inserted into the window frame, or,the support leg of the windshield molding may be inserted into the gapbetween the periphery of the windshield glass and the vehicle bodypanel, the windshield glass being already fitted to the window frame inadvance.

The rear windshield molding 40 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 15is integrally comprised of the upper molding section 40U, theupper-corner molding sections 40CU, the side molding sections 40S, thelower-corner molding sections 40CL and the lower molding section 40L.Among these sections, the upper molding section 40U, the upper-cornermolding sections 40CU and the side molding sections 40S are molded in auniform cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 12, while the lowermolding section 40L is molded in another cross-sectional shape, as shownin FIG. 15, being uniform throughout its length.

The upper molding section 40U, upper-corner molding sections 40CU andside molding sections 40S are inserted into the gap occurring betweenthe vehicle body panels 3 and 4 and the windshield glass 1.

The decorative section 42 consists of the outer side decorative section42b and the inner side decorative section 42a, the outer side decorativesection 42b comprising a thick body extending toward the outside.

In this thick body portion of the outer side decorative section 42b, arainwater retaining groove 46 having a triangular-like cross-sectionalshape is provided facing the upper outward side of the vehicle body (theupper side of the drawing).

While the lower molding section 40L is inserted between a fastening trim47 fixed to clips which are omitted from the drawing and the windshieldglass 1, no rainwater retaining groove is provided in this lower moldingsection 40L, to prevent rainwater from being retained in the lowermolding section

Conversely, the lower-corner molding sections 40CL are of varyingcross-sectional shape from the portion nearest the side molding sectiontoward the portion nearest the lower molding section as shown in FIGS.13 and 14. As shown in FIG. 13, at the portion connecting to the lowerend of the side molding 40S, the outer side decorative section 42b ofthe decorative section 42 is comparatively less in width and of thinnerbody, and in proportion to the extent that the depth and width of therainwater retaining groove 46 are also reduced.

it the portion connecting to the lower molding section 40L of thelower-corner molding section 40CL, as shown in FIG. 14, the rainwaterretaining groove disappears and the cross-sectional shape becomes thesame as that of the lower molding 40L.

Referring to the die employed to mold the windshield molding 40, asshown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the first die 541 of the molding die 54features the extrusion molding opening 541a corresponding to the overallcross-sectional shape of the windshield molding 40.

The second die 542 is of a sector form, one of its sides correspondingto the radius of the sector, the left one in FIG. 16, being sopositioned over the extrusion molding opening 541a as to form theexternal edge of the outer side decorative section 42b of the decorativesection 42.

Also, the center of this second die 542 of sector form is supported by asupporting pin 544 for free-swiveling around the supporting pin 544along the guide 542a and by swiveling the die 542, the extrusion moldingopening varies in the portion which forms the outer side decorativesection 42a of the decorative section 42.

The third die 543 is so supported by a pair of guides 543a that it mayslide in parallel with the direction of the guides 543a, in the verticaldirection in the drawing. The top end, the lower end in the drawing, ofthe third die 543 is made into a masking portion of triangular shapecorresponding to the cross-section of the rainwater retaining groove 46of the windshield molding 40.

This masking portion of the third die 543 is so positioned as to enterinto the central part to form the decorative section 42 of the extrusionmolding opening 541a in the first die 541, from the upper side in thedrawing or from the upper outward side of the vehicle body.

Referring then to the extrusion molding method of the windshield molding40 using the extrusion molding facility, the windshield molding 40 isextrusion-molded in the order of the lower molding section 40L, thelower-corner molding section 40CL, the side molding section 40S, theupper-corner molding section 40CU, the upper molding section 40U, theupper corner molding 40CU, the side molding 40S, the lower-cornermolding 40CL and the lower molding 40L. The lower molding section 40Lfirst mentioned above and that last mentioned, are connected together attheir approximate center points by heat welding, etc.

When extrusion molding the lower molding 40L, the first die 541, thesecond die 542 and the third die 543 are positioned as shown in FIG. 16and the lower molding section 40L is extrusion-molded to a prescribedlength.

Then, the second die 542 starts swiveling toward the open side andextrusion molding of the lower-corner molding section 40CL commences,the lower-corner molding section 40CL integrally following the lowermolding section 40L.

When this second die 542 swivels toward the open side, the extrusionmolding opening in the first die 541 is gradually expanded, therebygradually increasing the body thickness of the outer side decorativesection 42b of the decorative section 42 toward the outside, thusforming the extended thick body portion. At this time, as shown in FIG.17, the third die 543 moves toward the lower side in the drawing inproportion to the thickness increase in the outer side decorativesection 42a of the decorative section 42 and the top end of the thirddie 543 starts forming the rainwater retaining groove 46 in the thickbody section of the decorative section 42.

At the time when the molding of the lower-corner molding 40CL iscompleted, the second die 542 is at the maximum open state and the thirddie 543 is also at the far end of its forward stroke.

From this point, with the opening fixed at the maximum status, extrusionmolding proceeds in the order of the side molding section 408, theupper-corner molding section 40CL, the upper molding section 40U, theupper-corner molding section 40CU and the side molding section 40S,before proceeding to extrusion-molding of the lower-corner molding 40CLwherein the second die 542 and the third die 543 gradually move back inthe reverse direction.

What is claimed are:
 1. A production method of a windshield molding forvehicles by extrusion molding an upper molding section and side moldingsections integrally and continuously for installation at least along anupper part and both sides of a periphery of a windshield glass, using adie having an extrusion opening for extrusion-molding of a decorativesection which overlaps a gap from a panel external side located betweenthe windshield glass and a vehicle body panel, the method comprising thesteps of:forming an extended thick body portion as the decorativesection of the upper molding section by expanding a portioncorresponding to the decorative section in the extrusion opening in thedie during the extrusion process of the upper molding section; andforming a rainwater retaining groove to retain rainwater which flowsfrom the vehicle body panel in a surface of the extended thick bodyportion or the decorative section of the upper molding section, by usinga further die having a forming portion for inserting a part of theexpanded region corresponding to the decorative section in the extrusionopening in the die.
 2. A method of producing an automobile windshieldmolding for decorating along a periphery of a windshield located in anopening of a vehicle body panel, using an extruding apparatus includinga plurality of dies, the automobile windshield molding having adecorative section extending along the periphery of the windshield ofwhich cross-sectional profile continuously varies in a longitudinaldirection from a first molding section to a second molding section and arainwater retaining groove in and along the first molding section, themethod comprising the steps of:forming an outer surface and an innersurface of the decorative section and an inner surface of the rainwaterretaining groove by extruding through dies disposed to correspond witheach of the surfaces, wherein one of the dies which forms the rainwaterretaining groove defines a forming portion which corresponds to therainwater retainer groove so as to permit the forming of the rainwaterretaining groove during the extrusion; gradually changing a position ofthe dies in a perpendicular direction to an extruding direction from thefirst molding section to the second molding section; and moving the diefor forming the rainwater retaining groove with distance from the otherdies so as to reduce a size of the rainwater retaining groove from thefirst molding section to the second molding section.
 3. A method ofproducing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 2, whereinsaid moving step makes the size of the rainwater retaining groovereduced in depth.
 4. A method of producing an automobile windshieldmolding according to claim 2, wherein said moving step makes the size ofthe rainwater retaining groove reduced in depth and width at the sametime.
 5. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 2, wherein said moving step includes the step ofmoving the dies forming the rainwater retaining groove and thedecorative section in an interlocked timing with respect to each other.6. A method of producing an automobile windshield molding according toclaim 5, wherein the step of moving the dies includes the step of movingthe die forming the rainwater retaining groove at an earlier timing thanthe dies for forming the decorative section.
 7. A method of producing anautomobile windshield molding according to claim 2, wherein said movingstep includes the step of forming the outer and inner surfaces of thedecorative section by the dies disposed at the same position in anextrusion direction.
 8. A method of producing an automobile windshieldmolding according to claim 7, wherein the outer and inner surfaces ofthe decorative section are formed through a single extrusion openingconstructed by the dies.
 9. A method of producing an automobilewindshield molding according to claim 8, wherein the outer and innersurfaces of the decorative section are formed with shielding plates ofthe dies.
 10. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 7, wherein the inner surfaces of the rainwaterretaining groove are formed with the die disposed at the same positionto the other dies in the extrusion direction.
 11. A method of producingan automobile windshield molding according to claim 2, wherein the firstand second molding sections are formed as upper and side moldingsections corresponding to upper and side edges of the windshield.
 12. Amethod of producing an automobile windshield molding according to claim2, wherein the first molding section is formed as upper and side moldingsections corresponding to upper and side edges of the windshield and thesecond molding section is formed as a lower molding sectioncorresponding to a lower edge of the windshield.
 13. A method ofproducing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 2, whereinsaid moving step includes the step of extruding a support leg sectionadopted for insertion into a gap between the periphery of the windshieldand an inner edge of the window opening by the die for forming the innersurface of the decorative section.
 14. A method of producing anautomobile windshield molding according to claim 2, wherein across-sectional profile of the first molding section is defined byextruding through the dies for forming the outer and inner surface ofthe decorative section and inner surface of the rainwater retaininggroove, and a cross-sectional profile of the second molding section isdefined by extruding through the dies for forming the outer and innersurface of the decorative section.
 15. A method of producing anautomobile windshield molding for decorating along a periphery of awindshield located in an opening of a vehicle body panel, using anextruding apparatus including a plurality of dies, the automobilewindshield molding having a decorative section extending along theperiphery of the windshield of which cross-sectional profilecontinuously varies in a longitudinal direction from a first moldingsection to a second molding section, a support leg section adopted forinsertion into a gap between the periphery of the windshield and aninner edge of the window opening and a rainwater retaining groove in andalong the first molding section, the method comprising the stepsof:forming surfaces of the decorative section, support leg section andthe rainwater retaining groove by extruding through the dies disposed tocorrespond with each of the sections, wherein the rainwater retaininggroove is formed in response to a movement of at least one of the diesduring the extrusion; gradually changing a position of the dies in aperpendicular direction to an extruding direction from the first moldingsection to the second molding section; and moving the die for formingthe rainwater retaining groove with distance from the other dies so asto reduce a size of the rainwater retaining groove from the firstmolding section to the second molding section.
 16. A method of producingan automobile windshield molding according to claim 15, wherein saidmoving step makes the size of the rainwater retaining groove reduced indepth.
 17. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 15, wherein said moving step makes the size of therainwater retaining groove reduced in depth and width at the same time.18. A method of producing an automobile windshield molding according toclaim 15, wherein said moving step includes the step of moving the diesforming the rainwater retaining groove, the decorative section and thesupport leg section in an interlocked timing with respect to each other.19. A method of producing an automobile windshield molding according toclaim 18, wherein said step of moving the dies includes the step ofmoving the die forming the rainwater retaining groove at an earliertiming than the dies for forming the decorative section and the supportleg section.
 20. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 15, wherein said moving step includes the step offorming the decorative section and the support leg section by the diesdisposed at the same position in an extrusion direction.
 21. A method ofproducing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 19,wherein the decorative section and the support leg section are formedthrough a single extrusion opening constructed by the dies.
 22. A methodof producing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 21,wherein the decorative section and the support leg section are formedwith shielding plates of the dies.
 23. A method of producing anautomobile windshield molding according to claim 20, wherein the innersurfaces of the rainwater retaining groove are formed with the diedisposed at the same position to the other dies in the extrusiondirection.
 24. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 23, wherein the first and second molding sections areformed as upper and side molding sections corresponding to upper andside edges of the windshield.
 25. A method of producing an automobilewindshield molding according to claim 15, wherein the first moldingsection is formed as upper and side molding sections corresponding toupper and side edges of the windshield and the second molding section isformed as a lower molding section corresponding to a lower edge of thewindshield.
 26. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 15, wherein said moving step includes the step ofextruding an inner surface of the decorative section by the die forforming the support leg section.
 27. A method of producing an automobilewindshield molding according to claim 15, wherein a cross-sectionalprofile of the first molding section is defined by extruding through thedies for forming the surfaces of the decorative section, rainwaterretaining groove and the support leg section, and a cross-sectionalprofile of the second molding section is defined by extruding throughthe dies for forming the surfaces of the decorative section and thesupport leg section.
 28. A method of producing an automobile windshieldmolding for decorating along a periphery of a windshield located in anopening of a vehicle body panel, using an extruding apparatus includinga plurality of dies, the automobile windshield molding having first andsecond decorative sections extending along the periphery of thewindshield of which cross-sectional profile continuously varies in alongitudinal direction from a first molding section to a second moldingsection and a rainwater retaining groove in and along the first moldingsection, the method comprising the steps of:forming an outer surface ofthe first and second decorative sections and an inner surface of therainwater retaining groove by extruding through the dies disposed tocorrespond with each of the surfaces, wherein the rainwater retaininggroove is formed in response to a movement of at least one of the diesduring the extrusion; gradually changing a position of the dies in aperpendicular direction to an extruding direction from the first moldingsection to the second molding section; and moving the die for formingthe rainwater retaining groove with distance from the other dies so asto reduce a size of the rainwater retaining groove from the firstmolding section to the second molding section.
 29. A method of producingan automobile windshield molding according to claim 28, wherein saidmoving step makes the size of the rainwater retaining groove reduced indepth.
 30. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 26, wherein said moving step makes the size of therainwater retaining groove reduced in depth and width at the same time.31. A method of producing an automobile windshield molding according toclaim 28, wherein said moving step includes the step of moving the diesforming the rainwater retaining groove and the first and seconddecorative sections in an interlocked timing with respect to each other.32. A method of producing an automobile windshield molding according toclaim 31, wherein the step of moving the dies includes the step ofmoving the die forming the rainwater retaining groove at an earliertiming than the dies for forming the first and second decorativesections.
 33. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 28, wherein said moving step includes the step offorming the outer surface of the first and second decorative sections bythe dies disposed at the same position in the extrusion direction.
 34. Amethod of producing an automobile windshield molding according to claim33, wherein the outer surface of the first and second decorativesections are formed through a single extrusion opening constructed bythe dies.
 35. A method of producing an automobile windshield moldingaccording to claim 34, wherein the outer surface of the first and seconddecorative sections are formed with shielding plates of the dies.
 36. Amethod of producing an automobile windshield molding according to claim33, wherein the inner surfaces of the rainwater retaining groove areformed with the die disposed at the same position to the other dies inthe extrusion direction.
 37. A method of producing an automobilewindshield molding according to claim 28, wherein the first and secondmolding sections are formed as upper and side molding sectionscorresponding to upper and side edges of the windshield.
 38. A method ofproducing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 28,wherein the first molding section is formed as upper and side moldingsections corresponding to upper and side edges of the windshield and thesecond molding section is formed as a lower molding sectioncorresponding to a lower edge of the windshield.
 39. A method ofproducing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 28,wherein said moving step includes the step of extruding a support legsection adapted for insertion into a gap between the periphery of thewindshield and an inner edge of the window opening by the die forforming the outer surface of the first decorative section.
 40. A methodof producing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 28,wherein said moving step includes the step of extruding a support legsection adapted for insertion into a gap between the periphery of thewindshield and an inner edge of the window opening by the die forforming the outer surface of the second decorative section.
 41. A methodof producing an automobile windshield molding according to claim 28,wherein a cross-sectional profile of the first molding section isdefined by extruding through the dies for forming the outer surface ofthe first and second decorative sections and the inner surface of therainwater retaining groove, and a cross-sectional profile of the secondmolding section is defined by extruding through the dies for forming theouter surface of the first and second decorative sections.